Félix Ortega is a small organic banana farmer in the beautiful highlands of Southern Ecuador. He has worked and lived for 40 years on his farm where he produces, with the help of his now grown-up children, several organic crops beside bananas like cacao or citrus. Félix has developed a special relationship to his grand-son Carlos, a student in agronomy with whom he shares his passion for farming and for preserving the nature that surrounds them. Discover Félix’s farm and his inspiring way of life in our video.

The cultivation and export of organic bananas to the overseas market has had a positive impact on the standard of living in the rural communities of the Piura region. Social needs are however still important. The Dale Foundation has been operating in the producing region for 10 years supplying health services and supporting educational projects locally. Discover how the Dale Foundation operates and its positive impact on organic banana producers, banana workers, and their families

Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity constantly is an essential part of organic banana farming and the basis for healthy fruit production. Whether it is the microorganisms in the soil or the role of the beneficial insects to help manage with pest control, it is a permanent subject of attention for the organic farmer.

It is difficult for small farmers to access international markets. To avoid the local markets and their low prices, see how Cerro Azul, a group of over 100 small Ecuadorian farmers, has partnered with Dole to raise their production practices, export their fruit all over the world and ultimately improve the farmers’ lives.